Pro Tip: How to Coil Cable

Taught By:

Description:

Lesson Plan

Properly taking care of your equipment is especially important when it comes to anything
that handles electricity.

Start by holding the end plug (or the "hubbell") in your non dominant hand. Since Dom is
right-handed, he holds the plug in his left. Then, measuring out a section of cable about arms
length, Dom pinches the cable with his right hand, and twists it in the same direction that he uses
to wrap the cable into a circle. In this case, clockwise.

Important to note: most grip & electric departments use this repeating loop method, however many
camera and audio departments prefer the over/under method for video and audio cables. Keep an eye
out for that tutorial later on!

Most cables have a "memory" to them. You can feel the direction the cable will want to go. Cables
that have been well-cared for will have a very easy, predictable memory. Poorly-cared for cables
will not.

You know when a cable has been coiled properly when you can toss the end out to its full length
across the floor, and no knots or loops remain in the cable.

Coiling your cable properly helps it have a much longer life, makes it easier to store safely, and
helps you avoid potentially harmful or dangerous damage that could cause the cable to short out or
accidentally shock someone.